Doctor’s Note: November Newsletter Introduction from Dr. Lee Beers

Hello and I hope you are all enjoying this fall season! As I do every Thanksgiving, I have been reflecting on the many things I am grateful for. This year I have been particularly thinking about my PHN and Children’s National families. As some of you know, I have accepted a new position as Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and my last day at Children’s will be November 26th . It has been a true joy to work together with so many exceptional colleagues in PHN, whom I have learned so much from. Your commitment, compassion and skill are unparalleled and countless children and families have benefited from your care.

I am also delighted to share that Olivia Soutullo, PhD, will be the new Director, Behavioral Health Initiatives for PHN. As many of you know, Dr Soutullo has been the driving force for the work that we have all done together around mental health. If you have been to either the Future of Pediatrics or the Business of Pediatrics meetings in recent years, you have likely had the chance to meet her and/or hear her speak about the many aspects of this initiative. Her background as a psychologist and expertise in integrated mental health care has been a tremendous asset to the team and I am so grateful she is willing to take on this new leadership role.

Speaking of BOP… Registration is officially open! I hope you’ll join us in person for the annual Business of Pediatrics CME Conference on December 4, 2025. Our Business of Pediatrics programs have always centered on practical solutions and timely updates to support pediatric clinicians and practices. It’s a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with colleagues, and focus on the business side of running a thriving pediatric practice.

For registration instructions, read on in this newsletter. Please mark your calendar and plan to meet us at the Marriott North Bethesda Conference Center. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! And, while you are there you can find Dr. Soutullo and congratulate her in person!

Thank you all again for your collegiality and friendship. I will truly miss working together but hope that we continue to cross paths in other ways as I take on this new role with the AAP in January. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Lee Beers, M.D.